Although the long-established pictures-before-words method of scripting described on pages 56-57 is considered difficult to beat for flexibility and sheer professional results every time, it is undoubtedly more time-consuming for both journalists and picture editors, and the pressures facing news people battling to overcome ‘impossible’ deadlines and/or the lack of facilities are such that any apparent short cut may be understandably seized upon and excused. Hence the popularity of an alternative process of compiling news items.
In this method the complete commentary is written and recorded ‘wild’ on to a separate sound track before the pictures are edited. This can be done on location, in the studio or editing suite. No shot-listing is necessary. For very short routine items or segments of reports it can be fast and effective, but as a technique for lengthier or more considered pieces should be seen for what it is — strictly second-best and reserved for use only in emergencies. Unfortunately some reporters have never been introduced to the ‘classic’ way, while others are tempted to employ it as a blanket method for scripting all kinds of items, however unsuitable they may be.
If there is no alternative but to use this process, every effort should be made to view the raw material, either in the field or in the editing suite before a commentary is written and recorded. For in this context it is the words which govern the content and duration of the pictures being used. An imaginative script including a few sensible generalities should allow a competent picture editor to choose more widely from the available raw material. Too specific a script will force him or her to stick only to the obvious shots, resulting often in a duller outcome than the original coverage deserves. When recording the track remember to make room for any ‘sound-bites’, while pauses for natural sound effects will also help lift quality. Above all, take care to record in neutral surroundings, away from any extraneous, ambient sound which the editor would have difficulty masking when assembling the final version.
The influence on script-writing of future newsroom computer systems has yet to be fully assessed, though it does not seem likely that a journalist’s ability to view raw or edited material on one side or through a ‘window’ on the screen of a desk-top editing terminal will necessarily encourage better writing standards. In a multi-skilled world where few if any specialist picture editors exist the journalists will probably be compiling their own visual material. At least, if they have also shot it themselves they might have a better idea of the content. And that can only be good for the final product.
A popular but second-best alternative technique for compiling television reports. A ‘wild’ commentary track is written and recorded and the pictures from the available raw material edited to match. Be sure to carry out the recording in a neutral environment or unwanted ambient sound may encroach on the sound track.
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